Deputy Program Manager

Daifuku•Bolingbrook, IL

About The Position

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation is a leading provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a full spectrum of intralogistics solutions to meet client needs. These include leading-edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice- and light-directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round-the-clock service and support. If you want to join a team of industry leading experts who want to create an impact on the future of material handling solutions, we want to hear from you! The (Client) Deputy Program Manager supports the (Client) Program Manager and Sales Account Manager in the planning, execution, reporting and continuous improvement of the (Client) program portfolio for Daifuku. This role serves as a key facilitator between Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering and the Customer, building and ensuring program objectives, performance metrics, compliance requirements and customer commitments are achieved. The Deputy Program Manager acts as the Program Manager's delegate when required and provides leadership across program planning, execution, escalation management and customer engagement activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management or a related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or Material Handling environments.
Strong analytical, planning, scheduling and problem-solving skills.
Experience with customer-facing reporting, executive presentations, KPI management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of risk management, root cause analysis, corrective action processes and project controls.
Excellent communication, leadership and cross-functional coordination skills.
Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders and operate effectively in a fast-paced customer-facing environment.

Responsibilities

Support Program Demand Planning activities including forecasting, capacity analysis and recommendations to Executive and Senior Leadership Team.
Assist Sales in evaluating prospective opportunities, assessing capacity and schedule feasibility and supporting bid/no-bid decisions.
Develop and analyze opportunity schedules, critical path activities and program risks for leadership decision-making and customer proposals.
Collect and analyze historical and current project performance data to improve future planning, costing, contracting strategies, and execution performance.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives through analysis of program execution data, reduction of waste, mitigation of risks, and implementation of corrective actions.
Support management of internal and customer escalations, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 8D processes, corrective action planning, and closure verification.
Monitor, analyze, and communicate program KPIs to internal leadership and customer stakeholders through weekly, monthly, and quarterly business reviews.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customer specification management, ensuring compliance with program standards, training requirements, costing controls and contractual obligations.
Support preparation and management of Customer Business Reviews, reporting compliance requirements, and executive-level communications.
Coordinate and respond to customer inquiries, active program issues, manufacturing and resource utilization reporting, and technical vendor management activities.
Provide project management coverage and support for active projects when required.
Assume (Client) Program Manager responsibilities during absences and maintain continuity of program execution and customer engagement.